Nintendo to offer original game downloads for Wii

#1 I just wanna know two things - if this is indie-friendly, will we be able to program for the Classic Controller or GC Controller(like the Virtual Console games), or are we restricted only to the Wiimote? And are we gonna be able to get games on there somewhat easily and make some money, or will Nintendo restrict us like they used to do on the NES & SNES?

#2 It'l probably be 100% restricted. Nintendo is known for thier "screw 3rd party, we can do it ourself" approach to SOO many things. I doubt it will be, as you say, "Indie-friendly"

#3 @Sean
That is what I assumed too, but they are being a lot less restrictive on the Wii(one example is they are allowing mature and adult games to be published on it). So, let's hope for the best!

And if we can't publish game for it, we can always take a hint from WiiArcade.com and make flash games designed for the Wii Internet Browser(they are point-&-click games on the computer, but since the wiimote replaces they mouse cursor, they suddenly become challenging wii games). But then again, that makes you no money(unless you do some sort of account system).

#4 You could have them pay via paypal to access a password to the page with the flash game on it.

#5 They are more open with the wii and have more 3rd party support then any previous console ever made by them since the snes in other words if they say indie they mean indie

#6 It's not a rumor this is real, Gamespot already confirmed it!

The real question is will we be able to use Torque and TGB on this, will there also be a add-on. One of the reasons I licensed TGB was to develop on the Wii as I really digg the controller alot and I can afford 1,500 rather than 20,000. I plan on making full use of it as soon as I get a kit. From what I've read this is going to be definately Indie friendly as long as there not AO games. But anything E to M is fine.

#7 Hate to burst your guys bubble but it's not what it seems. We've been talking about it in another gaming forum I visit and someone was nice enough to point this out:

At least according to Fils-Amie, it's not going to be really any more open than it already is:

http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/levelup/archive/2007/06/27/reggie-on-his-big-plans-for-a-little-nintendo-wiiware.aspx

Quote:
Would this mean a price cut for development kits, we inquired? Or would there be a new set of tools and libraries--easier to use, but less fully-featured--aimed at the indie and hobbyist game developer? No. "First, the development tools and SDKs [software development kits] that enable developers to participate are already available," he replied, referring to the standard tools that Nintendo sells to its licensees. "We enable the marketplace where consumers can buy these games using Wii Points. Developers and publishers bring their ideas for games and marketing to entertain and entice consumers." As for a price cut, Fils-Aime insisted that Wii dev kits are already plenty cheap. "All our SDKs and dev tools are already--I don't want to call them inexpensive--they're darn near free to developers. This is unlike our competitors, where you have to spend a lot of money building high-res assets to be competitive. So in that sense, there's almost no cost to developers; the tools are already available at rock-bottom prices. We're providing the venue and light of day for games that might not have gotten attention otherwise."

Which is really unfortunate and disappointing. Worse yet, they're making it sound like they're doing something like MS has with XNA Express, but they're not. From the press release:

Quote:
"Independent developers armed with small budgets and big ideas will be able to get their original games into the marketplace to see if we can find the next smash hit," says Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime. "WiiWare brings new levels of creativity and value to the ever-growing population of Wii owners."

What they should have said is, "Established developers can create small teams with small budgets and big ideas to bring original games to the marketplace."

So as you can see not as hopefull as we all would hope.

#8 Out of curiosity, how much exactly do you feel Wii dev kits should cost?

#9 They should be free to me. They should pack one up and send it to me with well-wishes for a successful game title that they know that I will make. That'd be helpful! Really helpful!

I might even be able to play Japanese games on it! That would be totally sweet. A free devkit so I can play imports.

From the speculation I've heard, they cost around $2000 for the kit. I don't know if this is true or not, but that is what I've heard. In comparison to every other console, that is an amazing price if it is true. Of course, you have other hoops to jump through rather than simply picking up a devkit to play with. At least, I would assume so.

But I'm for the free WiiKit. Because that would be totally sweet.

EDIT:
@Greg
"We have not put any parameters on the control device or how the consumer will play the games. They can be remote-only; remote and nunchuk; classic controller; Gamecube controller. All of that is allowed."

#10

Quote:Software Development Kits: Approximate development costs range from $2,500 to $10,000, depending on the size of your team. Financial stability is expected by approved developers in order to purchase the necessary development equipment for your project

Found this off www.warioworld.com/apply/wii.html

You still have to apply to be a Wii designer and be approved but it sound as though Nintendo does want smaller game companies to have a chance to make games but doesn't want Indies that have little to no budget to make games for the Wii. There are several ways though you can begin developing for the Wii with out a license.

Since there is a web browser for the Wii you can develop flash games with the controller in mind as the mouse input. Since the Wii control functions as a mouse, from my understanding, you now have a fully functional game that can be played on the Wii. This does take away some of the functionality of the Wii remote but still it's better than nothing.

Also several people have developed games for PC that use the Wii remote. Most use and external blue tooth receiver and then there are devices/house hold items that can replace the sensor bar ( For info about the sensor bar: wii.ign.com/articles/748/748011p1.html). There are several videos and tutorials on websites (I found this one in a quick Google video search: www.youtube.com/watch?v=PFt0HNDXj5c )

Hope that helps.

#11 Whoops sorry double post.

#12 Question...

Has anyone here received anything back from Nintendo regarding either the recent WiiWare development or even a previous developer application?

I've heard stories of people who have had a developer app in to Nintendo since GDC 2K6 and still haven't even heard back from them. According to the reply email, the first thing you should receive back is the NDA to sign.

Has any indie dev even gotten THIS far?

#13 Oh, I missed that on WarioWorld. $2500-$10,000. Not bad. Hopefully it's closer to the lower range because it's more affordable to me. Not that I'll be making a Wii game any time soon, but it's a possibility for other excellent developers without higher-end funding. I would love to see Eets or a Wii edition of Cloning Clyde (imagine the fun you would have with clones and the wiimote!) or Gish. Fun, fun, fun!

#14 Apparently GarageGames is changing that:

"Eugene, OR, July 16, 2007 -- GarageGames, the leading technology provider for independent game makers, and Pronto Games, professional PC and console game developer, are pleased to announce the availability of Torque licensing for the Wii console. First shown at the Nintendo Developer Conference in June, Torque for Wii is based on the popular Torque Game Engine, with built-in support for the unique Wii controller, making it a complete package for both disc-based and downloadable Wii games." -gamedev.net

#15 Sorry to bump this, but has anyone heard anything more regarding devkits? Any indie devs actually get an NDA signed and returned?

#16 Stop bumping :) one time is enough.

#17 Please don't hit refresh on your browser. It reposts.

#18 Ack, my bad.

Yeah, I refreshed, but I've deleted the extras.

#19 Is the price still around $10k for the wii sdk?

#20 It's actually from $2-3k.